Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

PRODIGAL SON

Calvin 'Prodigal' Whilby's third album is finally here, and it is not a regular album either. Prodigal's double disc, entitled Songs From My Midnight and The Break of Day, is a testament to his trials and then his triumphs at daybreak.

It was produced by Danny Browne of Mainstreet Music. Listeners will be treated to 26 tracks, which include a few familiar ones and a brand new song.

On Wednesday, Prodigal presented his album to a group of reporters and his peers at the Courtleigh Hotel, New Kingston.

"This album means a lot to me because of where I am coming from. I gave up on myself, but God didn't," Prodigal said.

He said he hopes others will listen to the album and feel they can make it out of their situation.

"If you listen, you will hear my heart," he said.

On the album the radical entertainer includes different genres of music, among them ska, R&B, dancehall, traditional, pop and roots reggae. In doing so, he collaborated with Omari, his brother Jason Mighty, Junior Tucker, Browne and international gospel artiste Micah Stampley. It was, however, the single Hear Them Crying with Richie Stephens that raised a few eyebrows. Many criticised Prodigal for it and he said his back is not broad enough, but the Lord's is.

Endorsement deal

The press launch was also the perfect opportunity to announce that Prodigal has signed yet another endorsement deal, this one with Partners Financial Investment. The deal is for three years, with a renewal option. Along with a signing fee, Prodigal will be given a monthly salary and a vehicle. This comes after cellphone provider bmobile signed Prodigal as its first gospel artiste over the summer.

He also fended off talks of him being 'too hype'. "The problem is not that I am hype, but they should get up and go for what they want," he said.

Chief executive officer of Partners Financial, Gary Pusey, said he recognised the high value of Prodigal's music and could not allow the opportunity to pass.

Prodigal's mentor and pastor of the Hope Fellowship Church, Pastor McCook, was also at the launch. After he spoke, Prodigal revealed that the church paid his bills for years because they wanted him to succeed.

"We believe Calvin's heart is in the right place," Pastor McCook said.